Reveal Continuous Wave DPSS Laser

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 7 -- Newport Corp. today introduced Reveal, a portable, continuous wave (CW), diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser-based product designed for crime scene investigation. Developed by Newport's Spectra-Physics Laser Div., Reveal allows technology that was previously only available in laboratories to be used at crime scenes and enables investigators to gather evidence that could otherwise be overlooked, Newport said. "Spectra-Physics was the first company to provide laser fluorescence technology to the forensic community," said Bruce Craig, vice president in charge of Newport's Spectra-Physics Laser Div. "Soon after, the Forensic Millennia became the the technology of choice in crime laboratories. Reveal enables investigators to bring this same cutting-edge technology directly to a crime scene and to dramatically improve their ability to collect evidence." The laser-based Reveal system greatly improves the detection of latent fingerprints for identification. It also "uncovers" body fluids such as semen, saliva and sweat, and biological matter such as bone, teeth and skin fragments, for DNA testing. Reveal also enables the detection of biological and chemical agents by their specific color signatures when they are exposed to laser light. The Reveal laser system is comprised of a DPSS laser, 22 feet of fiber optic cable and an ergonomic wand with zoom optics in a single, portable flight-case package that an investigator can easily transport to a crime scene to begin collecting evidence, Newport said. The laser requires no warm-up time, enabling evidence to be processed immediately. After the laser is switched on, the ergonomic hand-held wand is used to sweep a scene for evidence that can then be examined and documented on location. Because Reveal uses a powerful 8-W CW laser, untreated latent fingerprints can be detected on difficult surfaces such as dry walls, paper, fabric and skin, and reduces the need for chemicals. Craig said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has already placed orders for Reveal systems. For more information, visit: www.spectra-physics.com; e-mail: sales@spectra-physics.com